Why NJ Devils are giving Blake Pietila another shot

Devils left wing Blake Pietila (56), here battlinhg Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn last year, is up from the minors for his second stint with the Devils this season.(Photo: Chris O'Meara, AP file)

The Devils’ forward has played in 19 NHL games and is making it 20 Friday night in the desert against the Arizona Coyotes.

But Pietila has just one goal and two assists to show for a few brief NHL stints. So, the 25-year-old Michigan native is taking this most recent call-up in stride. There are no bold proclamations of being ready to compete every day at the NHL level or promises to light the lamp.

Pietila is just trying to keep it simple build on what he’s done in the American Hockey League this season.

“I’m just trying to stick to the things that have been working for me down in Binghamton as of late,” Pietila said Friday at Gila River Arena. “Just doing the same thing here.”

Pietila has been much more defensively responsible than in the past, he’s a heavy checker and has been quicker when it comes to decision-making in the offensive end. He’s learned from those past call-ups that the speed of the game at the NHL level is lightning quick and he has to be able to read and react in an instant.

“The biggest thing is focusing on the defensive zone and going from there,” Pietila said. “Focusing on moving my feet a little bit more and trying to play a faster game. When the puck turns over transitioning to defense or offense or whatever that might be, doing it a little faster than in the past."

Pietila has a team-high 12 goals and 10 assists for the Binghamton Devils, playing mostly on a line with Michael McLeod and Nathan Bastian. The efforts this season have not gone unnoticed. His Jan. 1 call-up and his spot in the lineup are considered rewards for a strong AHL season.

“He’s playing on the power play, he’s playing on the penalty kill, I think he’s the leading scorer,” coach John Hynes said. “He’s a big strong kid, he’s fast and he’s a bit of an abrasive guy and a physical presence.”

Hynes wants to see him play that abrasive, physical game while also generating offense.

Carolina Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack, of Sweden, stops a shot by New Jersey Devils left wing Blake Pietila during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 25, 2017, in Newark, N.J. The Hurricanes won 3-1. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)(Photo: Julio Cortez, AP)

“He’s really earned the opportunity,” Hynes said. “He’s played well, been one of their best players. Hopefully, he can come in and make an impact and help our team win.”

Pietila will take the spot of John Quenneville on the left side of the second line. One day after being named an AHL all-star, Quenneville will be a healthy scratch.

It’s not that Quenneville hasn’t played well or has been a “passenger” as Hynes likes to say, but his offensive upside never seems to come through at the NHL level and it’s tough to decipher why. He’s come close to cracking the scoring sheet a few times in recent games, but he still doesn’t have a point to his name this season.

The coaches want him to know he’s done some good things and to keep focusing on them, but he’ll have to focus on them from the pressbox.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot, left, loses his balance while competing for the puck with New Jersey Devils center John Quenneville (47) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in Newark, N.J.(Photo: Julio Cortez, AP)

“He’s done a lot of the little things well and his game has grown and his game has certainly matured,” Hynes said. “I think there’s a consistency factor that has to be a little better, but we’ve been pleased with him. We’re going to have a meeting with him this afternoon to let him know that he’s done lots of good things and he’s played well.

“Has he done enough to earn a spot every single night? I think he’s earned the games that he’s gotten and the opportunities he’s had.”

Managing the net

Keith Kinkaid will return to action this weekend against the Vegas Golden Knights, getting the net for the third game of the road trip. The fourth game against the Sabres hasn’t been decided.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Keith Kinkaid (1) reacts after giving up a goal to Columbus Blue Jackets' Oliver Bjorkstrand during the first period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in Newark, N.J.(Photo: Adam Hunger, AP)

Mackenzie Blackwood has played well enough to earn five straight starts, but the Devils feel it’s time for Kinkaid to get back into a game after more than a week of working on details of his own game.

“Keith started out really, really strong but based on some circumstances, we had to use him more than we wanted,” Hynes said. “There were some nights where we felt like we wanted to give him a night off but he had to come in, we had to play him in relief. Keith has certainly matured as a starter but he had a lot of work. This has been a good break for him mentally and physically.”

Trainer’s room

Hynes said it’s “doubtful” that injured forwards Taylor Hall and Marcus Johansson would join the team on the trip in either Las Vegas or Buffalo. Although Johansson is skating, Hall is not.

Joey Anderson (ankle surgery) is skating, as is goalie Cory Schneider (abdominal strain) but none appear close to getting into a game.